January 23 in freethought history…

January 23, 1891 – John Ballance, Premier of New Zealand, dies in office ofÂ complications from abdominal surgery. Having witnessed sectarian riots in his native Ireland, Ballance was a confirmed secularist and co-founder of the Wanganui Freethought Association.

January 23, 2003 – Science entertainment series MythBusters premieres on Discovery Channel. Special effects veterans Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman host, using the scientific method to test the plausibility of urban legends and popular myths. The show, much beloved by the skeptical community, is currently in its 14th and final season.